About Osteopathy 

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

Osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

Regulation of osteopathy

All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). In Ontario it is via the Ontario Osteopathic Manual practitioners association. OAO. Osteopaths are required to renew their registration each year and we provide registrants with an annual licence to practise. As part of this process, the OAO checks that osteopaths have current professional indemnity insurance, remain in good health and of good character, and have met mandatory continuing professional development requirements.

Who and what do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths’ patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sportspeople. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.

Osteopathy is a safe and natural therapy that focuses on the framework of the body; the bones, ligaments, muscles and connective tissues or fascia. Osteopathic practitioners assess the condition of this musculo-skeletal system looking for areas of weakness, inbalance and excessive strain. Any potential ‘weak points’ will determine how well the body functions and they will have an influence on the general health of the whole body.

Osteopathic practitioners have become well known for treating back and neck problems because they are so good at it; however, many other conditions can be very successfully treated with osteopathy. The musculo-skeletal system forms the framework that carries the body's network of nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics. It also physically supports the internal organs. The health of the musculo-skeletal system therefore has a direct effect on the health of the rest of the body. Osteopathic treatment aimed at improving the mechanics of the body automatically influences such things as blood and nerve supply, as well as activity of the internal organs.

About Massage Therapy

Registered Massage therapy (RMT) is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage Therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday, occupational and athletic stresses, muscular over-use and many physical conditions. Massage Therapy can be used to treat both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs can work with a variety of patients in the treatment of discomfort, illness, injury, rehabilitation and disability.

Massage Therapy Treatments

Relaxation Massage

Massage is a great way to reduce the stress in your life and allow you a chance to just relax. Not only can the effects be very soothing physically, but often there is reduced anxiety and an increased feeling of well-being. It has been proven to help reduce stress hormones which have been linked to many types of health problems, including weight gain and sleep disturbance.

Therapeutic Massage

Some people may think massage therapy is an occasional treat while others experience its usefulness as a therapeutic treatment for chronic health conditions such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many others. It can be used to assist in healing as well as in the prevention of conditions and palliative care.

Cupping Massage

Can help to relieve physiological restrictions in the body as well as reduce myofascial pain and promote relaxation. Dry cupping involves adhering the cups on the skin with the use of suction. The skin and soft tissue beneath the cup are drawn upward into the cup. Results of this technique are increased blood flow to the area as well as a loosening of the myofascial tissue, with similar results to that of a deep tissue massage. Some conditions that cupping can help with are back pain, muscle pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression, soft tissue limitations and flexibility, decreased range of motion, and much more.

Sports Injury Massage

Ideal for pre- and post- athletic events. Before your activity it can loosen and lengthen your muscles. By improving your muscle flexibility it may help reduce the risk of injury. After your activity it can help re-stretch over-worked and tightening muscles, decrease muscle soreness over the next few days after your activity and reduce recovery time.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and connective tissue.It uses the same or very similar techniques as other forms of massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense.It may be a bit less comfortable at times and you’ll know you’re being worked on.

Trigger Point Therapy

A trigger point is a tight area or knot in the muscle belly that can refer pain to other areas in the body.  For example: many trigger points in the upper back and neck can cause headaches. Massage Therapy can help diminish or completely release trigger points, freeing the body and decreasing symptoms.